FORD F-150 2021 Owners Manual

TRAILER REVERSE GUIDANCE –
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why does the trailer not reverse
straight?
Verify the sensor is correctly installed.
Other factors such as the hitch
connection, road camber, road slope
and trailer suspension could influence
how straight the system can reverse
the trailer when the control knob is not
turned. You can compensate for the
trailer drifting to the right or left by
slowly turning the knob until the trailer
is following your desired path and then
holding the knob in that position.
Why does the system not detect a
sensor? There could be an issue with the
connection, the wiring harness could
be damaged, you could have multiple
sensors connected or the sensor could
be incorrectly installed. Check that the
12-way connector is fully inserted into
the 12-way socket. The red rubber seal
is not visible when the connector is
fully inserted. Also check that the
wiring harness sensor connection is
fully inserted at the trailer sensor, and
check for damaged wiring between
the 12-way connector and the trailer
sensor. Also, check that the sensor is
installed on a vertical surface with the
arrows pointing straight up. What does it mean if the system
remains on one message for an
extended time during calibration when
setting up the system with the sticker?
The camera could need to be cleaned,
the sticker could be blocked, the
drawbar could be outside the allowed
range of 4–19 in (10–48 cm) or you
could need to move to a different area
to change the lighting and background.
Verify the sticker is in the proper
location. See
Applying the Trailer
Reverse Aid Sticker (page 461). You
can move to a different area or change
the direction you are driving or setup
the system at a different time of day.
Some trailers are not compatible with
the sticker and camera system. If the
issue persists with the sticker setup,
you may choose to setup the trailer
with a sensor.
What does it mean if the system pauses
during calibration? There could be steering input or trailer
movement during the straight drive
portion of the calibration process.
What does it mean if the system
remains on one message for an
extended time during calibration when
setting up the system with the sensor? The sensor could be incorrectly
installed, the trailer length could be
outside the allowed range or the road
surface could be too rough or bumpy.
What does it mean if the system
displays hold steering steady during
turn? Part of the calibration process for the
sticker setup requires a steady turn. If
you are continually moving the
steering wheel during the turn, this
delays the calibration process. To
enable the calibration process, hold
the steering wheel at the same
position when turning.
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What does it mean if the system
displays that it is not available?
There could be a sub-system that the
system uses that is not correctly
operating or there could be a battery
voltage issue. If the system continues
to display it is not available, visit your
authorized dealer to have your vehicle
checked.
What does it mean if the system
displays that driving is required to
initialize steering? The steering system needs to learn
internal parameters to fully turn on the
feature. Drive your vehicle straight
forward above 25 mph (40 km/h) for
approximately 5 minutes. This could
also occur when your vehicle is new,
there is a battery voltage issue or if the
steering system has been serviced.
What does it mean if the system does
not detect a trailer when configured
with a sensor? Verify that the sensor is properly
connected. See
Trailer Sensor
Installation (page 461). Repeat
calibration on a different route if you
have verified sensor installation.
What does it mean if the system
requires you to pull forward to
initialize? This occurs when the vehicle has not
moved during the current key cycle
after you connect and select the trailer
in the touchscreen or you operate the
system at speeds below
1 mph
(1 km/h) for an extended period of
time. Drive forward above 2 mph
(3 km/h) and the system indicates
when it initializes. What does it mean if the trailer is at its
maximum angle or the system
deactivated by trailer angle?
You are at the maximum controllable
trailer angle for the system. Place your
vehicle in drive (D) and pull forward to
get the truck and trailer back to an
in-line position. If this message
consistently displays, this could
indicate the sensor is incorrectly
installed, the trailer needs to be
recalibrated or the drawbar or the
trailer dimensions are outside of the
supported range. The system is
designed to work with drawbars that
have a license plate to hitch ball center
measurement of
9–18 in (23–46 cm)
when installed. The system is designed
to work with trailers that have a hitch
point to center of the axle or axles
measurement of
6– 33 ft
(1.85– 10.05 m). Do not attempt to use
drawbars or trailers that have a length
outside of this range as the system
performance degrades and could
cause improper system function.
Check that the correct trailer is
selected in the touchscreen. Verify the
sensor is installed according to the
instructions included in the sensor kit
and check that the drawbar and the
trailer dimensions are within the
allowed range. Then, delete the trailer
from the system and repeat the setup
process to calibrate the trailer.
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What does it mean when the system
tells you to take control of the steering
wheel?
The system is no longer steering the
vehicle and you must take over
steering. There are four reasons the
system could display this message.
The first reason the system could
display this message is that you have
touched the steering wheel when the
system is steering. The second reason
the system could display this message
is that you have exceeded the
maximum speed for the feature. The
third reason the system could display
this message is that the trailer is not
detected. The final reason the system
could display this message is that an
internal condition for system operation
is not met that requires your vehicle to
return to manual control of the
steering.
How do I use a sticker if I have
previously setup a trailer with the
sensor? Disconnect the sensor wiring and add
a new trailer to the system and follow
the instructions for setup with a
sticker. See Applying the Trailer
Reverse Aid Sticker (page 461). If
your vehicle does not support the
sticker option, the touchscreen
instructs you to install the sensor
again.
What if I want to use a sensor for the
trailer instead of a sticker? Install the sensor and connect the
sensor wiring before adding the new
trailer to the system. You must
connect the sensor before you add the
trailer. If your vehicle did not come with
a sensor, you can purchase one from
your authorized dealer. What does it mean if the system does
not detect a trailer that is setup with a
sticker?
The system requires a clear view of the
sticker placed on the trailer. You must
keep the camera lens and sticker clean
for the system to correctly operate. If
the system cannot initially detect the
trailer, it could be necessary for you to
change the lighting conditions by
moving your vehicle and trailer or
waiting until the conditions change.
See
Applying the Trailer Reverse
Aid Sticker (page 461). Some trailers
are not compatible with the sticker
and camera system. If the system
consistently does not detect the trailer
with the sticker setup, you may choose
to setup the trailer with a sensor.
Note: The system is designed to be used
with the same trailer connection every time
you choose the trailer from the touchscreen.
When using a different drawbar or a
different pin hole on drawbars with more
than one, connecting the drawbar to your
vehicle affects the trailer position and you
may need to repeat the trailer setup and
calibration process.
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OFF-ROAD DRIVING
WHAT IS OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Off-road driving is driving your vehicle on
unsurfaced roads or trails, made from dirt,
rocks, sand and mud.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING
PRECAUTIONS - RAPTOR
WARNING: If you continue to drive
your vehicle when the engine is
overheating, the engine could stop
without warning. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle.
Before going off-road driving, consult with
all the appropriate government entities to
determine where you are legally allowed
to operate your vehicle and what permits
or registrations are required to do so.
Inspect your vehicle before and after any
off-road driving.
Familiarize yourself with the dimensions
of your vehicle including approach angles,
breakover angles, and ground clearance.
Also familiarize yourself with the features
of your vehicle. Some of these features
such as drive modes and cameras can
improve your off-road driving experience.
Secure loose objects inside your vehicle
and in the cargo area.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVING
TECHNIQUES - RAPTOR
Grip the steering wheel with your thumbs
on the outside of the rim. This reduces the
risk of injury due to abrupt steering wheel
motions that occur when negotiating rough
terrain. If you are driving in a dusty area, be sure to
leave ample distance between your vehicle
and any other vehicles to allow for
adequate vision.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVING
TECHNIQUES
Off-road Driving Hints
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, a
basic vehicle inspection should be done to
make sure that the vehicle is in top working
condition. It is always recommended that
at least two vehicles are used while
off-roading. The buddy system helps make
sure that help is close at hand should a
vehicle become stuck or damaged. It is also
wise to take supplies such as a first aid kit,
supply of water, tow strap, cell or satellite
phone with you any time an off-road
excursion is planned.
1. Grip the steering wheel with thumbs
on the outside of the rim. This will
reduce the risk of injury due to abrupt
steering wheel motions that occur
when negotiating rough terrain.
2. Throttle, brake and steering inputs should be made in a smooth and
controlled manner. Sudden inputs to
the controls can cause loss of traction
or upset the vehicle, especially while
on loose terrain or while crossing
obstacles such as rocks or logs.
3. Look ahead on your route noting upcoming obstacles, or any other
factors which may indicate a change
in available traction, and adjust the
vehicle speed and route accordingly.
4. When driving off-road, if the front or rear suspension is bottoming out
and/or excessive contact with the
skid-plates is encountered, reduce
vehicle speed to avoid potential
damage to the vehicle.
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5. When with other vehicles, it is
recommended that communication is
used, and the lead vehicle notify other
vehicles of obstacles that could cause
potential vehicle damage.
6. Always keep available ground clearance in mind and pick a route that
minimizes the risk of catching the
underside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
7. When negotiating low speed obstacles,
applying light brake pressure in
conjunction with the throttle will help
prevent the vehicle from jerking and
will allow you to negotiate the obstacle
in a more controlled manner. Using 4L
will also help with this.
8. Off-roading requires a high degree of concentration. Even if your local law
does not prohibit alcohol use while
driving off-road, Ford strongly
recommends against drinking if you
plan to off-road.
Crossing Obstacles
• Review the path ahead before
attempting to cross any obstacle. It is
best if the obstacle is reviewed from
outside the vehicle so that there is a
good understanding of terrain condition
both in front of and behind the
obstacle.
• Approach obstacles slowly.
• If a large obstacle such as a rock
cannot be avoided, choose a path that
places the rock directly under the tire
rather than the undercarriage of the
vehicle. This will help prevent damage
to the vehicle.
• Ditches and washouts should be
crossed at a 45° angle, allowing each
wheel to independently cross the
obstacle. Hill Climbing WARNING:
Extreme care should
be used when steering the vehicle in
reverse down a slope so as not to cause
the vehicle to swerve out of control.
• Always attempt to climb a steep hill
along the fall line of the slope and not
diagonally.
• If the vehicle is unable to make it up
the hill, DO NOT attempt to turn back
down the slope. Place the vehicle in
low range and slowly back down in
reverse.
• When descending a steep slope, select
low gear and engage hill descent
control. Use the throttle and brake
pedals to control your descent speed.
Note: Hill descent control is functional in
reverse and should be used in this situation.
DRIVING OFF-ROAD - RAPTOR
Driving In Snow and Ice WARNING:
Do not become
overconfident in the ability of four-wheel
drive vehicles. Although a four-wheel
drive vehicle may accelerate better than
a two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won't stop any faster than
two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive
at a safe speed.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between your vehicle and other vehicles
for stopping.
Driving In Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
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Driving In Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud.
After driving through mud, clean your
vehicle. Excess mud stuck on the wheels
and tires and rotating components can
cause an imbalance and result in damage.
Note:
The vehicle brakes are less effective
when wet or muddy.
Driving Over Rocks and Gravel
Never attempt to straddle a rock that is
large enough to strike your axles or
undercarriage.
Leave a generous gap between your
vehicle and other vehicles to minimize the
risk of damage. Avoid dust clouds as they
reduce visibility.
Climbing A Hill WARNING: Extreme care should
be used when steering the vehicle in
reverse down a slope so as not to cause
the vehicle to swerve out of control.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other
side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill
without the aid of an observer.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Note: Too much acceleration can cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control. Driving Through Water WARNING:
Do not attempt to
cross a deep, fast flowing body of water.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
The key to a safe crossing is the water
depth, current and bottom of the water's
condition. On soft bottoms, the vehicle
sinks in, effectively increasing the water
level on the vehicle. Make sure to consider
this when determining the depth of water.
Determine the depth and speed of the
current before attempting a water crossing.
Be aware that obstacles and debris could
be beneath the water ’s surface.
Note: Cross flowing water at an angle
heading slightly upstream.
Note: Tread lightly and avoid damage to
the environment.
Water can cause permanent damage that
may not be covered by your vehicle
warranty. See
Driving Through Water
Limitations (page 474).
Note: Failure to follow the recommended
speeds can result in vehicle damage.
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling
system effectiveness by depositing debris
into the radiator.
High currents even in shallow water can
wash the dirt out from around your tires or
push your vehicle across slippery rocks or
surfaces.
Do not cross any body of water that is fast
flowing and rising.
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Vehicles used to traverse water should be
periodically inspected for signs of water
ingestion in all of the vehicle's fluids. If
water is found inside your vehicle fluids,
service your vehicle or see an authorized
dealer.
Avoid Getting High-Centered
Always keep available ground clearance
in mind and pick a route that minimizes the
risk of catching the underside of the vehicle
on an obstacle and getting high-centered.
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
WARNING: Do not spin the wheels
at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Recovery hooks are mounted to the
vehicle's structure and are used to pull out
the vehicle from a surface or location when
stuck. Recover your vehicle using various
towing apparatus attached to your
recovery hook such as winch, open hook,
or strap.
Note: Do not use recovery hooks to
recreationally tow your vehicle. See
Recreationally Towing Your Vehicle (page
490
).
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature as
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute as damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat.
If you are unable to free your vehicle call
roadside assistance. See
Roadside
Assistance (page 483). Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch,
Washout Or Rut
Review the path ahead before attempting
to cross any obstacle.
Driving Over Logs
Review the path ahead before attempting
to cross any obstacle.
DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE AT HIGH
SPEEDS - RAPTOR
If you plan on using your vehicle for severe,
high speed off-road use, we recommend
the following:
•
Equipping your vehicle with the safety
equipment appropriate for off-road
recovery.
• Using personal safety equipment,
including a certified helmet and
approved neck restraint device.
• Doing a low speed reconnaissance run
in unfamiliar areas to become aware
of any obstacles that you could
encounter.
Your vehicle can incur damage if driven
beyond its capabilities. Skid plates, shock
guards and running boards are designed
to help limit damage to vital components
and exterior finishes, but cannot prevent
all damage if driven in extreme off-road
conditions. Damage to skid plates, shock
guards, running boards and exterior
finishes as well as bent, cracked or broken
body, frame and chassis components may
not be covered by warranty.
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
LIMITATIONS - RAPTOR
Maximum Wading
Depth
Model
32 in (810 mm)
All.
When you are driving though water do not
exceed 4 mph (7 km/h).
WATER WADING WARNING:
Do not attempt to
cross a deep, fast flowing body of water.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
As the water depth increases, you must
reduce your vehicle speed to avoid
potential vehicle damage. •
Always determine the depth before
attempting a water crossing. Never
drive through water that is higher than
the bottom of the wheel hubs.
• Slowly proceed and avoid splashing
water any more than is necessary. •
Be aware that obstacles and debris
may be beneath the water ’s surface.
• Keep the doors fully closed during the
water crossing.
• After driving through water and as soon
as it is safe to do so check the brakes,
horn, lights, and steering wheel to
confirm those systems are functioning
properly.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING AIDS -
RAPTOR
Selecting an Off-Road Drive Mode
Using the appropriate drive mode increases
your vehicle's control. See
Drive Mode
Control (page 371).
Using Four-Wheel Drive
Your vehicle has a four-wheel drive system
that offers various modes to help you
optimize traction on any off-road surface.
See
Four-Wheel Drive (page 291).
Using the Cameras Off-Road
Use the 360 degree camera to enhance
your off-road experience. See 360 Degree
Camera
(page 342).
Using the Rear Differential Lock
When engaged, the rear differential lock
provides additional traction to your vehicle
by forcing the two rear wheels to turn at
the same speed.
Note: Rear differential lock is only available
when the vehicle is in 4H or 4L. See
Electronic Locking Differential (page 301).
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Using Trail Control
Trail Control provides you the ability to
maneuver the vehicle without using the
throttle and brake pedals.
The system controls acceleration and
braking in difficult off-road environments,
which allows you to focus on steering. See
Trail Control (page 324).
Trail Control Performance:
• Manages wheel slip to maximize
traction.
• Provides braking to maximize traction
in descents.
Using Trail One Pedal Drive
(If
Equipped)
Trail one pedal drive allows you to
accelerate and brake using only the
accelerator pedal.
Use this when driving over large obstacles,
such as rocks or logs, to help maintain a
constant vehicle speed.
In 4H, the system offers lift pedal braking
and auto hill hold functionality. See
What
Is Trail One Pedal Drive (page 325).
Note: Trail one pedal drive is only available
when the vehicle is in 4H or 4L.
AFTER DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
OFF-ROAD - RAPTOR WARNING:
After off-road use,
before returning to the road, check the
wheels and tires for damage. Off-road
use may cause damage to your wheels
and tires that can lead to tire failure, loss
of vehicle control, serious injury or death. WARNING:
Always re-inflate tires
to recommended tire pressures before
the vehicle is operated on-road. The
recommended pressure is located on the
tire label or safety certification label,
located on the B-pillar, inside the driver's
door.
Driving off-road places more stress on your
vehicle than most on-road driving. After
driving off-road, check for damage and, if
necessary, have your vehicle repaired by
an authorized dealer.
Inspect the underbody of your vehicle by
checking tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for
damage.
Check the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as needed.
Remove accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard or hide
damage to the fuel lines, brake hoses, and
propeller shafts.
After operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, inspect the
underbody and clean your vehicle.
AFTER DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
OFF-ROAD WARNING:
After off-road use,
before returning to the road, check the
wheels and tires for damage. Off-road
use may cause damage to your wheels
and tires that can lead to tire failure, loss
of vehicle control, serious injury or death.
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WARNING: Always re-inflate tires
to recommended tire pressures before
the vehicle is operated on-road. The
recommended pressure is located on the
tire label or safety certification label,
located on the B-pillar, inside the driver's
door.
Driving off-road places more stress on your
vehicle than most on-road driving. After
driving off-road check for damage to your
vehicle and, if necessary, have your vehicle
fixed as soon as possible.
Inspect the underbody of your vehicle by
checking tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for
damage.
Check the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as needed.
Remove accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard or hide
damage to the fuel lines, brake hoses, and
propeller shafts.
After extended operation in mud, sand,
water, or similar dirty conditions, inspect
the underbody and clean your vehicle as
soon as possible.
If you experience unusual vibration after
driving in mud, slush or similar conditions,
check the wheels for impacted material.
Impacted material can cause vibrations
while driving and wheel imbalance.
Remove the material to resolve the
problem.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below approximately
-13°F (-25°C)
. DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE WARNING:
If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire
chains or cables, then it is critical that
you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,
allow for longer stopping distances and
avoid aggressive steering to reduce the
chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death.
If the rear end of your vehicle slides while
cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your
vehicle.
On ice and snow, you should drive more
slowly than usual. Your vehicle has a four
wheel anti-lock brake system, do not pump
the brake pedal.
See Anti-Lock Braking
System Limitations (page 308).
BREAKING-IN
Your vehicle requires a break-in period. For
the first 1,000 mi (1,600 km), avoid driving
at high speeds, heavy braking, aggressive
shifting or using your vehicle to tow. During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuel
consumption:
• There is no need to wait for your engine
to warm up. The vehicle is ready to
drive immediately after starting.
• Your fuel consumption should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in
period.
• Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
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